"Why?"

Smokescreen's plating flattens visibly. "I was trying to help."

"By running off?"

Smokescreen shakes his helm, but instead of explaining sends Bumblebee two data packets. One's his resignation from the Council, and the other — "You want to reenlist in the Guard?" Bumblebee exclaims.

Smokescreen nods. "I missed so much in stasis, but I hadn't realized how much until now. I needed — need — that experience, that training — that time." His field seethes with regret and determination. "Please, 'Bee, will you speak for me?"

The irony of that isn't lost on either mech. "Let me think about it," Bumblebee replies quietly.